Special Events & Weddings

• Advertised event (such as a walk/run; bike event, music festival, fishing tournament, etc.)
• Sporting event or practice
• Charging a fee for people to attend or participate
• Sale of food, beverages or merchandise
• More than 200 people are expected to attend
• You’re interested in holding an event outside of the regular shelter reservation schedule:
  • You would like access to the shelter to set-up before 10:00 a.m.
  • Access later than 9:30 p.m. is discouraged, even for special events, but there may be exceptions
• The date you would like to hold the event is before or after the facility open/close dates
• Use areas of the park other than shelters or group camps (such as trails, boat launches, open areas, etc.)
• Use of extensive or multiple park areas
• Use of a sound amplification device larger than a personal radio/boom box, such as a DJ, band or sound system
• Require additional:
  • Parking
  • Waste collection (trash and recycle)
  • Mowing of areas not usually mowed
  • Portable toilet(s)
• Deviate from the Park Rules and Regulations (such as camping in an undesignated area)
• Group campsite reservations with over 75 campers
• Other criteria as determined by Dane County Parks

If none of the above criteria describes your event, you do not need a special event permit and can make reservations using our online system. Use the following links to learn more about our facilities or make reservations:

• Shelters
• Group Campsites
• Lussier Family Heritage Center

Use our Special Event Price Guide below to help determine which amenities you would like and estimate a cost for your event. Staff will review your permit request and set the final fees.

Price Guide

Special Event Permit requests must be made a minimum of two weeks before the first day of the event.

1. Review the Special Event Criteria to determine if a Special Event Permit is needed for your event. 
2. Submit a Special Event Permit request, if needed.
3. If a shelter is requested for your event, staff will place a hold on the shelter and confirm with you via email within 48 business hours. Staff will review your request, set fees for your event, and contact you within 1-2 weeks. If your event is approved, you may log back into your online reservation system account or call the Parks Office at (608) 224-3730 to pay the remaining fees.

Special Event Request

What is Included?

• Special Event Permit
• Shelter Reservation: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Alcohol Permit
• Large Structure Fee (to have a tent larger than 12’ x 12’)
• Additional Grass Parking

Average Cost
Depending on the location, amenities, and the estimated attendance, the average cost for this package option is around $500-$900.

Best for Users Who...

• Want to hold an event outside of our regular shelter schedule (10:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.). Examples:
  • Access to the shelter before 10:00 a.m. Saturday for decorating, setup, having a large tent setup, rental item delivery.
  • Cleanup or rental item removal on Sunday.
• Use areas other than a park shelter (example: greenspace for a ceremony setup).
• Leave items overnight (at your own risk).
• Require additional parking or waste collection (trash and recycle) than is provided with a standard shelter rental.
• Use of any sound amplification device that produces excessive, loud or unusual noises.

What is Included?

• Special Event Permit
• Shelter Reservation for one day (10:00 a.m. -  9:30 p.m.)
• Alcohol Permit
• Additional Grass Parking

Average Cost
Depending on the location, amenities, and the estimated attendance, the average cost for this package option is around $300-$500.

Best for Users Who...

• Do not need early access to a shelter area. All setup and cleanup will happen between 10:00 a.m. -  9:30 p.m. and no large tent will be set up.
• Use areas other than a park shelter (example: greenspace for a ceremony setup).
• Require additional parking or waste collection (trash and recycle) than is provided with a standard shelter rental.
• Use of any sound amplification device that produces excessive, loud or unusual noises.

What is Included?

• Special Event Permit (granting exclusive use of ceremony space)

Average Cost
Depending on the location, amenities, and the estimated attendance, the average cost for this package option is around $75.

Best for Users Who...

• Want a wedding ceremony (under 100 people) in a park area that does not have a shelter associated with it.
• Will have all setup and cleanup of ceremony space (chairs, arbor, decorations, etc.) occur between 10:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
• Are not having a reception, food or beverages at this location.
• Will not have a large tent set up.

Special Event Permit requests must be made a minimum of two weeks before the first day of the event.

1. Determine which wedding package option you are interested in before beginning your permit request.
2. Submit a Special Event Permit request, select "wedding" as the event type, and indicate which wedding package option you would like.
3. If a shelter is requested for your event, staff will place a hold on the shelter and confirm with you via email within 48 business hours. Staff will review your request, set fees for your event, and contact you within 1-2 weeks. If your event is approved, you may log back into your online reservation system account or call the Parks Office at (608) 224-3730 to pay the remaining fees.

Special Event Request